User Guide

7
Setup Instructions
Important Things to Note Before Starting
Selecting an Antenna Location
The location and conguration of your antenna mount will determine the quality of your signal;
therefore, there are some important factors to consider.
• Where will the receivers be located? Ideally, the antenna will be centrally
positioned above that area.
• Where will the transmitter or stationary receiver/power amplier be located?
We recommend that it be located no more than 25 feet (7.6 meters) from the antenna.
• Are there any metal obstructions in the area? Ideally, there will be no metal between the antenna
and the receivers. Also, try to avoid mounting the antenna in a location where nearby metal
would be in parallel with the antenna -- this degrades the signal.
• Will the antenna be mounted outdoors? Antennas work well outdoors, but if possible, try to place
the antenna where it will not receive too much exposure to moisture or dirt. Covering exposed
connections with petroleum jelly or silicone gel will extend the life of the antenna.
Choosing the Type of Antenna to Use
Several types of antennas are included in this kit. You will only use one of them. How do you select
the best antenna?
First, what is your operating frequency -- 72 MHz or 216 MHz? This eliminates half of the antennas
since you can only use an antenna that will work for your frequency range.
Note: Remember, the LONGER antennas work on the lower frequency of 72 MHz and the SHORTER
antennas work at 216 MHz.
Next, do you have any space restrictions? The rigid dipole antenna (the one with the two
extendable arms) provides the best signal, but only if you can fully extend the sections of the
antenna. If you can’t fully extend the rigid dipole, you will need to go with either the exible dipole
or the monopole antenna. We recommend using a dipole antenna whenever possible.
If you need to mount your antenna on top of an equipment rack, you will need to use the
monopole antenna.
For mounting in a ceiling or in a wall, or taking up the least amount of space along an outside edge
of a wall, the exible dipole antenna is a good choice. Remember, though, that you need to
extend the sections of this “oppy” antenna as far apart from each other as possible.